aaamusic | On 06, Apr 2011

No, wait… no, wait. Wait. I was under the impression that Ms As Policewoman was one of those folksy singer-songwriters I avoid like the plague. Have I ever been proven wrong. In ‘Nervous’, her role as a fixture on the rock scene has been entirely justified. Blending laconic reggae syncopation and playful R&B organs with a rock n roll punch and swagger, Joan Wasser’s angelic vocals flawlessly counter tight, rhythmic guitars that squall distortion beneath a hazy melodic tapestry of thick bass, crooning backing singers and soulful farfista. The result? An enthralling, enchanting yet somehow menacing cut of pure songwriting magic, the middle and heart of the track a subtle tour of how to use straight hi-hat and eerie girlish vocals in an uncontrived, assured and ultimately fascinating manner. Sinister undertones creep into a beautifully crafted piece of music that fades out of being with a keening guitar wail, just as it saw its birth with percussive rock oomph.

Okay, I raise my hands to the firing squad for the error of my prejudiced ways. This ain’t cop-out folk, this is the sound of independent music – I don’t know what to call it, but it has me converted, and that’s what we like round here.

Author: Katie H-Halinski